UKNIP247 
A couple from Dartford and Bexleyheath involved in drug dealing have been sentenced after police searches uncovered a significant stash of illegal substances, including cocaine, ketamine, cannabis, and amphetamine.
Roberto Rossi, 37, of Hollingbourne Avenue, Bexleyheath, and Joanne Branscombe, 44, of Samson Close, Dartford, were sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Tuesday, July 23, following an investigation by the British Transport Police (BTP).
Rossi pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of possession with intent to supply class B drugs (ketamine and cannabis), one count of possession of a class A drug (cocaine), and one count of possession of a class B drug (amphetamine). He received a 16-month jail sentence and was ordered to pay a surcharge of £187.
Branscombe also pleaded guilty to several charges, including two counts of possession with intent to supply class B drugs (cannabis and ketamine), possession of a class B drug (amphetamine), and possession of a class A drug (cocaine). She was sentenced to 22 months, suspended for two years, and was similarly ordered to pay a surcharge of £187.
The court heard that on February 24, BTP’s County Lines taskforce observed Rossi at Dartford station attempting to evade uniformed officers. When approached, Rossi admitted to possessing cocaine. A search revealed he was carrying an iPhone, which he denied owning, despite incoming messages asking for drugs, as well as more than £1,000 in cash.
Following his arrest, a search of the address he shared with Branscombe uncovered a substantial amount of class A and class B drugs, leading to Branscombe’s arrest and subsequent sentencing.
Investigating officer DC Rob Chaplin said, “Anyone who uses the rail network to transport illicit drugs or engage in criminality of any kind would do well to remember that we have eyes everywhere. Our expert officers are specialists in detecting all manner of suspicious activity. Blundering Rossi fell foul of this and led us straight to his home where it became clear he and his girlfriend were engaged in a drug dealing operation.”
He added, “Thanks to our County Lines taskforce, these dangerous drugs are now off the rail network and off the streets. Our work to stop the trade in drugs via the railway is 24/7 and will never cease.”
The BTP’s County Lines taskforce continues to monitor and disrupt the transport of illegal drugs across the rail network, ensuring public safety and reducing drug-related crime.
